BACKGROUND: White matter (WM) abnormalities associated with prematurity are one of the most important causes of neurological disability that involves spastic motor deficits in preterm newborns. This study aimed to evaluate regional microstructural changes in diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) associated with WM abnormalities. METHODS: We prospectively studied extremely low birth weight (ELBW; <1000 g) preterm infants who were admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Hanyang University Hospital between February 2011 and February 2014...

In the adult brain, increases in local neural activity are accompanied by increases in regional blood flow. This relationship between neural activity and hemodynamics is termed neurovascular coupling and provides the blood flow-dependent contrast detected in functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Neurovascular coupling is commonly assumed to be consistent and reliable from birth; however, numerous studies have demonstrated markedly different hemodynamics in the early postnatal brain. Our recent study in J...

Brain damage following a perinatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) can be diagnosed by different techniques. The aim of the present study was to combine magnetic resonance (MR) imaging with proton MR spectroscopy in HIE diagnosis and to evaluate their correlation with outcome. A prospective observational cohort study was performed between February 2012 and February 2013. Consecutive newborns, 24 full-term neonates with HIE (mild to moderate and severe group) and 5 normal neonates, were included. Two sequential MR studies were performed; a conventional MR imaging for observation in T1 weighted image (WI) and T2WI, and proton MR spectroscopy for observation in the left or right basal ganglia and thalamus...

BACKGROUND: Down syndrome (DS) is the most common chromosomal aberration, but the characteristics of the brainstem component in this condition during childhood (from newborn to preteen stages) have not been clarified. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the morphological features of the brainstem in DS on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: MRIs for 32 children with DS (16 boys and girls each; age range, 0-11years) without major brain insults, and 32 age-matched controls (16 boys and girls each) were retrospectively analyzed...

Microglia in the axotomized adult rat facial nucleus (axoFN) have been shown to highly express a glutamate transporter (GLT-1). The microglia appear to serve as glutamate (Glu) scavengers in the axoFN. However, there is no evidence that the microglia actually have the ability to uptake Glu and convert it to Gln. In this study, we investigated whether axoFN-derived microglia (axoFN-microglia) can uptake Glu and metabolize it to Gln. Microglia obtained by explant culture of axoFN on poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-grafted dishes were non-invasively sub-cultured onto dishes or wells...

BACKGROUND: Maternal metabolism during pregnancy is a major determinant of the intra-uterine environment and fetal outcomes. Herein, we characterize the maternal urinary metabolome throughout pregnancy to identify maternal metabolic signatures of fetal growth in two subcohorts and explain potential sources of variation in metabolic profiles based on lifestyle and clinical data. METHODS: We used (1)H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to characterize maternal urine samples collected in the INMA birth cohort at the first (n = 412 and n = 394, respectively, in Gipuzkoa and Sabadell cohorts) and third trimesters of gestation (n = 417 and 469)...

BACKGROUND: Umbilical cord hemangioma is very rare and may not be detected prenatally. However, it should be considered in differential diagnosis with other umbilical masses because it can cause significant morbidity. METHODS: We report the case of a newborn referred with suspected omphalitis and umbilical hernia. RESULTS: Physical examination showed an irreducible umbilical tumor, the size of olive, with dubious secretion. The initial suspected diagnosis was urachal or omphalomesenteric duct remnants...

BACKGROUND: Rectus sheath hematoma is a rare clinical diagnosis, particularly in pregnancy. Due to unspecific symptoms, misdiagnosis is likely and could potentially endanger a patient as well as her fetus. CASE PRESENTATION: A 26-year-old white woman presented with mild right-sided abdominal pain, which increased during palpation and movement, at 26 + 3 weeks' gestational age. Ultrasound imaging initially showed a round and well-demarcated structure, which appeared to be in contact with her uterine wall, leading to a suspected diagnosis of an infarcted leiomyoma...

The development of multimodal probes with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and intraoperative fluorescence imaging is the most challenging task in the field of tumor diagnosis. Herein, a simple one-pot hydrothermal method is used to prepare Eu-doped Gd(OH)3 nanorods (Gd(OH)3:Eu NRs) with good fluorescence and the longitudinal relaxivity r1 value of 4.78 (Gd mM s(-1)). After dual-functionalized maleimide-polyethylene glycol-succinimide (Mal-PEG-NHS) macromolecules are coated on the surface of Gd(OH)3:Eu NRs (PEG-NRs), the results of a lower degradation ratio in newborn calf serum (NCS), reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in L929 cells and the hemolytic rate of PEG-NRs show their good cyto-compatibility and longer blood circulation time...

INTRODUCTION: The authors present the first experience in neonatal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations using an MR compatible incubator (INC) at the Institute of Mother and Child. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty-nine examinations of 47 newborns (20 girls, 27 boys) were performed using the GE Signa HDxt 1.5T system and INC Nomag IC 1.5. Demographic data, anesthetic methods and MRI findings in the INC in comparison with previously performed imaging were analyzed...

BACKGROUND: A relevant therapeutic time window (TTW) is an important criterion for considering the clinical relevance of a substance preventing newborn hypoxic-ischemic (HI) brain damage. OBJECTIVE: to test the TTW of the neuroprotective effects of cannabidol (CBD), a non-psychoactive cannabinoid in a model of newborn HI brain damage. METHOD: 9-10 day-old C57BL6 mice underwent a HI insult (10% oxygen for 90 min after left carotid artery electrocoagulation)...

We report a case of a fetus with an ultrasonography diagnosis of a neuroblastoma during a routine third trimester fetal scan, which presented as a hyperechogenic nodule located above the right kidney. No other abnormalities were found in the ultrasonography scan; however, the follow-up ultrasonography during the 36th week of gestation revealed that the lesion had doubled in size. At the same time, magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a round mass in the topography of the right adrenal gland with a low signal on T1-weighted images and slightly high signal on T2-weighted images, causing a slight inferior displacement of the kidney...

Recent imaging studies using chest computed tomography (CT) in presymptomatic infants and young children with cystic fibrosis (CF) diagnosed by newborn screening presented compelling evidence of early onset and progression of structural lung damage in CF. These data argue persuasively that non-invasive outcome measures for early detection and sensitive monitoring of lung disease applicable in the clinical setting will be instrumental for further improvement of clinical care and the development of early intervention therapies that have the potential to prevent irreversible lung damage...

AIM: To evaluate the success of endoscopic deroofing with double J (DJ) stenting as a primary treatment modality of uncomplicated ureterocele. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All babies with uncomplicated ureterocele referred to us between 2005 and 2015 were to be prospectively recruited into the study without any exception. The preoperative management would include ultrasound KUB on a fixed protocol, micturating cystourethrogram, DTPA scan and MRU (magnetic resonance urography) or IVP (intravenous pyelography)...

INTRODUCTION: Motor impairments are one of the most frequently reported adverse neurodevelopmental consequences in children born < 30 weeks' gestation. Up to 15% of children born at < 30 weeks have cerebral palsy and an additional 50% have mild to severe motor impairment at school age. The first 5 years of life are critical for the development of fundamental motor skills. These skills form the basis for more complex skills that are required to competently and confidently participate in schooling, sporting and recreational activities...

Introduction Ventriculomegaly (VM) is one the most frequent anomalies detected on prenatal ultrasound. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may enhance diagnostic accuracy and prediction of developmental outcome in newborns. Purpose The aim of this study was to assess the correlation between ultrasound and MRI in fetuses with isolated mild and moderate VM. The secondary aim was to report the neurodevelopmental outcome at 4 years of age. Methods Fetuses with a prenatal ultrasound (brain scan) diagnosis of VM were identified over a 4-year period...

Germ cell carcinoma during pregnancy is rare. However, its detection has increased due to the use of ultrasound fetal monitoring in the antenatal care program. In this article, we present the case of a Germ cell carcinoma during pregnancy is rare. However, its detection has increased due to the use of ultrasound fetal monitoring in the antenatal care program. In this article, we present the case of a pregnant 27-year-old diagnosed with an adnexal germ cell carcinoma at six weeks of gestation, whose initial approach was local resection (suboptimal cytoreduction)...

OBJECTIVES: Perinatal asphyxia (PA) is very significant in perinatal medicine due to the involvement of the central nervous system. This study was conducted to investigate the biochemical, clinical, and paraclinical changes associated with phenobarbital administration in neonates with PA. METHODS: In this prospective, case-control study, 30 neonates with PA in two groups of 15 each (case and control) were investigated. The case group received 20 mg/kg intravenous phenobarbital within six hours of birth, and the control group did not receive phenobarbital...

Congenital ascites is rare, but when it occurs, urinary ascites secondary to posterior urethral valve obstruction is the most common, and tumors are the least. Among the tumors in the pediatric population, the central nervous system tumors are common, but spinal cord tumors are rare. We describe a very rare case of congenital malignant spinal cord glioma presenting as isolated congenital ascites secondary to neurogenic bladder. A female infant was diagnosed sonographically with isolated congenital ascites at 40 weeks' gestational age, with uneventful development prior to 40 weeks' gestational age...